Escorted Tours
A selection of some of our most popular tours.
We can also tailor make a private tour for you.
CLASSICAL ITALY
Seven nights' accommodation in four-star hotels including breakfast and four dinners
Guided tour of Siena, one of Europe's finest medieval cities
Guided tour of Florence - pearl of the Renaissance and visit to the Uffizi, one of the world’s finest art galleries
Guided tour of Arezzo – one of Tuscany’s most unspoilt medieval cities
Visit to Assisi, birthplace of St. Francis
Guided tour of Rome
Discover Tuscany’s stunning countryside
Escorted by our experienced tour manager
Day 1
You should arrive at the airport for your flight to Rome. On arrival, a coach will take you to delightful Arezzo in the heart of Tuscany and an ideal base for our series of visits during the next few days. We stay four nights with half-board at the four-star Hotel Minerva, located about half a mile from the medieval city walls. The hotel was started as a restaurant fifty years ago by the present family owners and they are extremely proud of their restaurant which specialises in traditional Tuscan cuisine.
Day 2 - Siena
After breakfast, we drive to lovely medieval Siena which was, during the 12th and 13th centuries, one of the world’s largest and richest cities and a similar size to Paris! An unrivalled period of building took place and the range of palaces, grandiose townhouses and piazzas were built. Without doubt the main square, the Campo is one of the most beautiful you will ever see. Unusually half-moon shaped and surrounded by tall, centuries-old buildings, they are all different embracing an overall harmonious and beautiful style. Just to sit here, enjoy a drink and reflect on lives gone by is a real pleasure.
Siena’s cathedral is absolutely outstanding, one of Italy’s greatest, built from black and white marble with the most intricate carvings imaginable some of which are by the great master himself, Michelangelo. The floor is a revelation with countless thousands of pieces of stone creating a unique inlaid pavement. It is impressive enough now but had a planned nave been completed during the 14th century, it would have created Christendom’s largest church. You can study the façade for hours, so fine are the carvings. The city fell into rapid decline after the Black Death, accounting for the city’s astonishing preservation. During the journey to and from Siena we shall see some of the famous Tuscan countryside: rolling hills punctuated by tall cypress trees, shading isolated farmhouses and surrounded by vineyards, together with hillsides crowned with tiny villages perched like eagles’ nests, make this truly a wonderful scenic area.
Day 3 - Florence
Today we visit Florence, pearl of the Renaissance, a superb and beautiful city and deservedly on the map of the traveller since the days of the Grand Tour. During our guided tour you will see the principle monuments such as the Cathedral – which can house a congregation of 10,000 and the Baptistry – the oldest building in the city. This afternoon we enjoy a reserved visit to the Uffizi gallery, quite simply one of the world’s most monumental art collections. It contains work by Botticelli, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Titian, Caravaggio, Michelangelo – the list is endless. Florence is not just about art though, it is a delightful place in its own right. Full of shops and colourful markets which delightfully complement the city’s artistic treasures.
Day 4 - Arezzo
Arezzo is a wonderful medieval town nestling behind its imposing stone walls as it has for centuries. This morning, we have a walking tour during which we learn about the town’s illustrious past and there is a host of things to see. The Romans built an amphitheatre here, Arezzo’s glassware was famed throughout the empire and the workshops still exist. The city flourished in medieval times, coming under the rule of the Medicis in the 15th century and today the town is a complete kaleidoscope of architectural styles which somehow blend together harmoniously, with such charm. There are Romanesque churches juxtaposed with timber-beamed medieval shops, separated by intimate cobbled squares. Arezzo’s main square is nothing short of a masterpiece and without doubt must be one of Europe’s most stunning. With its raised pavements full of cafés, here you can appreciate the tall multi-styled buildings opposite. Some crenulated, a simple church, some steeped roofed, some traditional terracotta, some brick and some stone, many sport the heraldic flags from yesteryear, but all of this combined really is an unexpected revelation. Arezzo’s second claim to fame is its superb frescoes housed in the huge cathedral, some of the world’s most detailed and most well preserved.
This afternoon you are free to explore this lovely town as you wish, absorbing its astonishing charm. Arezzo is also noted for its extremely skilled jewellery industry. In countless traditional workshops, skilled artisans create the highly original pieces on display fashioned from gold, silver and every dazzlingly precious stone known to man. You could do worse though, than enjoy a sumptuous lunch overlooking the main square and reflect on times long ago, when it would have been full of robed bishops and merchants hurrying along to their next appointment. There is an unmistakable ambience throughout Italy and it is hard to put your finger on what makes it so special, but here in Arezzo it is very much in evidence.
Day 5 - Assisi
Today we leave Tuscany after breakfast driving firstly to Assisi. This delightful medieval town, with its flower-hung streets, lovely views over the Umbrian countryside and fountain splashed piazzas is famous for a single event – the birth of Francis, the most revered saint in Italy. The man himself was one of the most extraordinary figures the Italian church has ever produced. He had a privileged upbringing, leading a very un-Christian lifestyle, but whilst imprisoned, God appeared to him. After release, he renounced his inheritance, living the life of a beggar, and mixed with lepers, but ultimately found his vocation founding the order of monks which bears his name, the Franciscans. Two years after his death, the basilica was built, financed by donations from all over Europe creating one of the most beautiful shrines in the Christian world adorned by arguably its greatest art collection outside an actual gallery. The building today is actually two churches, one on top of the other with St. Francis himself lying under the floor in the crypt. The mood inside is most respectful, being in tune with Franciscan principles - silence being the rule, quite plain around the tomb itself and accompanied by brown robed monks. We have ample time to visit the basilica together with the town, arriving in Rome early evening.
Our hotel is either the four-star Grand Hotel Beverly Hills which, located in the prestigious Parioli residential district, a short walk away from the Villa Borghese gardens and gallery. The hotel is around 15 minutes walk from the nearest metro stop, a direct tram is available just a few steps from the hotel to the Coliseum and there are various buses to connect with major attractions across the city. Bus stops are located a few steps from the hotel. The hotel has a spacious lobby with lots of space to relax on the comfortable leather sofas after a hard days sightseeing, American Bar with plenty of seating and large restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel is decorated in a classic style and features extensive wood panelling in the public areas and is air conditioned throughout. All rooms are comfortably furnished with private facilities with bath or shower, mini bar, safe, hairdryer, air conditioning and flat screen satellite TV.
Some departures will stay in the four-star Hotel President, situated right in the heart of the Eternal City within walking distance of the main Termini station, providing superb transport links via metro and bus to all areas of the city and the main sights - including direct connections to the Colosseum, the Vatican and the Spanish Steps just a few stops away.
Day 6 - Rome
Rome is, without doubt, one of the most captivating cities in the world, where ancient and modern blend perfectly. This morning, we have a sightseeing tour during which you will see many of the principle sights and monuments such as St. Peter’s, the Colosseum, Circo Massimo, Victor Emmanuel memorial, the Vatican, Palatine Hill, River Tiber, the list is endless. Probably nowhere else on earth is there so much history in such a small area. It owes its grandeur obviously to the Roman Empire which held sway over much of the globe for nearly 500 years and then to the Papacy which for a large part of its existence, commanded as much political influence as religious. Wealth flooded in throughout the Renaissance and beyond. The result is the abundance of places of interest you see today. But it’s more than buildings and galleries, there are quiet areas, tiny little piazzas, lovely bars, cosy restaurants where the waiters will talk all day if you let them. All this combined gives the uniqueness which is Rome.
This afternoon you are free to explore as you desire although you may wish to visit the Vatican Museums (entrance fee not included), the only part of the Palace you can visit independently. This is the largest, richest and most compelling such complex on earth which contains so many artefacts from the city’s history. Many of the finest artists of the Renaissance worked for a variety of Popes but there are other displays too: Egyptian antiquities, furniture, sculpture, silverware and of course, Michelangelo’s wondrous masterpiece of the Sistine Chapel which really has to be seen to be believed.
Day 7 - Free Day, Rome
Today you have a free day to explore this amazingly interesting city as you wish, so what is it to be? Perhaps some of the ancient ruins: the atmosphere of history is inescapable as you view the magnificence of the heart of the Roman Empire. Looking at the Forum, Colosseum, the Pantheon to name but a few, it is easy to let your mind wander and imagine who has preceded you: Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, St. Paul, Nero, St. Peter and when you see how compact everything is the atmosphere is quite eerie.
Take a stroll around the Piazza Navona, Rome’s most picturesque square, lined with luxurious cafés, where the present day Romans come to see and be seen with the superb baroque fountains lending a cooling sensation to the whole scene. Walk down the Spanish steps like countless visitors before you since the 18th century. Take a coffee in the famous Caffe Greco, once the haunt of Keats, Byron and Wagner. You could window shop along the Via Condotti for some of the finest clothes you will find anywhere. Perhaps the most satisfying activity though is simply to wander where your feet take you stopping off where you wish – its serenity will captivate you.
Classic Tour 20 Sep 2024 06:55 Manchester Airport Minerva Hotel Arezzo 4* £1,409.00 pp
Classic Tour 14 Oct 2024 06:15 Manchester Airport Minerva Hotel Arezzo 4* £1,449.00 pp
Classic Tour 07 Apr 2025 07:15 Manchester Airport Minerva Hotel Arezzo 4* £1,509.00 pp
Classic Tour 07 May 2025 07:15 Manchester Airport Minerva Hotel Arezzo 4* £1,559.00 pp
Signature Tour 18 Jun 2025 07:15 Manchester Airport Minerva Hotel Arezzo 4* £2,019.00 pp
Signature Tour 18 Jun 2025 07:15 Manchester Airport Minerva Hotel Arezzo 4* £2,019.00 pp
Classic Tour 19 Sep 2025 07:15 Manchester Airport Minerva Hotel Arezzo 4* £1,589.00 pp
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FLORENCE AND TUSCANY
For centuries Italy has attracted visitors in search of culture and romance and there are few countries that can rival its renowned Classical origins, its art, music, architecture, scenery, food and wine. As home to the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, the Roman Catholic Church and the Vatican, its contribution to the arts surpasses that of any other nation.
Tuscany embodies much that Italy is famous for, possessing more historical monuments than any other country, let alone province, on earth. Its cities, Florence - arguably the finest city of the Renaissance, Siena and Pisa, together with smaller towns and medieval villages like Lucca and San Gimignano, house some of the world’s finest artistic treasures. Combine this with the haunting beauty of the local countryside, an enviable climate, one of the world’s great cuisines, and of course, with the Italians themselves, and you have all the ingredients for a superb holiday.
Visit Florence, Italy’s finest renaissance city and enjoy the rural charm of Tuscany on our superb escorted tour
Return flights
Seven nights bed and breakfast staying in three-star superior and four-star hotels, with four dinners
Stay in central Florence and enchanting Tuscany
Guided tour of Florence – pearl of the Renaissance
Reserved, timed visit to the Uffizi, quite simply one of the world’s finest art collections
Visit to San Gimignano, one of Italy’s most beautiful hill-top villages
Guided tour of Siena, one of the finest medieval cities
Visit to Pisa – home of the leaning tower and it’s amazing cathedral, some of Italy’s finest renaissance buildings
Experience the hauntingly beautiful Tuscan countryside
Escorted by our experienced tour manager
Day 1
You should arrive at the airport to take your flight. On arrival, a coach will take you to Florence and our hotel where we stay for three nights on a bed and breakfast basis, either at the three-star superior rated Hotel Corona D’Italia, ideally located in the San Lorenzo district of the city, ten minutes walk from the Cathedral. All the rooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, mini-bar, hairdryer, television and telephone. The hotel has a bar and breakfast room. Or at the four-star rated Grand Hotel Mediterraneo. This hotel enjoys an enviable position on the banks of the River Arno, close to the Piazza Santa Croce and well located for access into the historical centre. All the rooms have air-conditioning, mini-bar, satellite television, safe and hairdryer. The hotel has a choice of restaurants, offering international and Italian cuisine, plus a lounge, American bar and terrace (summer only).
Day 2 - Florence
After breakfast you have a guided walking tour of Florence, “pearl of the Renaissance”, a superb and beautiful city and deservedly on the traveller’s map since the days of the Grand Tour. The sights are legendary and you see some of the best of them: the Cathedral – which can house a congregation of thousands and the Baptistry – the oldest building in the city. You will also see the Ponte Vecchio – the superb bridge over the river Arno, lined with goldsmiths and a symbol of the city itself.
During the afternoon you have a reserved visit to the Uffizi art gallery where superlatives are the minimum expressions you can use to describe its phenomenal collection. Built up over three hundred years, this originally private collection belonging to the all-powerful Medici family, and subsequently bequeathed to the people of Florence, contains masterpieces by some of the greatest artists who have ever lived: Botticelli; Leonardo da Vinci; Michelangelo; Titian; Rembrandt and Van Dyck. There are many more too, literally room upon room of them which will amaze you!
Day 3 - Lucca & Pisa
After breakfast you leave for Lucca, birthplace of the great composer Puccini, a delightful city where you can wander amongst the medieval streets, tiny piazzas and along the ramparts circling the city. Its cathedral is outstanding and famous as one of the most intricate in Tuscany. Then you take the short drive to Pisa where nothing can prepare the visitor for the almost shock-like impact of its bizarre leaning tower! Famous since the dawn of tourism, it has tilted since it was built over six hundred years ago and today still remains one of the great must-see buildings on earth. We then return to our hotel.
Day 4 - Free Day, Florence
Florence will amaze you and there is so much to see, yet being medieval it is also so compact. Today you are free to explore this wonderful city of the Renaissance. There is the Accademia, the oldest art school in the world which houses Michelangelo’s David, one of the world’s finest sculptures; the Archaeological museum containing an outstanding collection of exhibits from ancient Greece, Rome and Egypt; the Science museum which contains many of Galileo’s telescopes together with the world’s first adding machine. Situated in the medieval heart of the city is the magnificent cathedral, dominating the skyline, some of which dates from the 4th century. Built from white, green and pink marble it glows in the sunshine and the richness of the interior is remarkable with beautiful frescoes and an amazingly intricate marble pavement. However, Florence is much more than a city caught in the past, it has an ambience you will love, packed with cosy restaurants and street cafés where you can simply watch the world go by, the very essence of Italy and the Mediterranean lifestyle.
At the end of the day you drive to one of our carefully selected four star rated hotels in Tuscany for the next four nights on half-board. The Park Hotel Le Fonti, partly converted from an old farm, is set on the edge of the old town of Volterra with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside, and has a bar, good quality restaurant and a panoramic terrace. The Palazzo San Lorenzo is set right in the heart of the town of Colle Di Val d’Elsa, known as the ‘City of Crystal’. Converted from an old hospital the hotel offers thoroughly modern comforts, a beautiful winter garden housing the bar and breakfast room, outside terrace and a restaurant serving delicious local specialities. Hotel ll Piccolo Castello is situated in its own grounds close to the walled hilltop town of Monteriggioni. Built on one level around a central garden the hotel is decorated with traditional frescoes and is a lovely relaxing base, with spacious lounge and manicured gardens, bar and restaurant serving delicious Tuscan food. Rooms in all hotels are air conditioned with private facilities, mini bar, safe, television and telephone. In short your comfort is assured whichever hotel you stay in.
Day 5 - San Gimignano & Volterra
After breakfast you start to explore the rural Tuscany of undulating hillsides, isolated farmhouses surrounded by tall cypress trees, biscuit and ochre coloured valleys, made famous by Renaissance paintings and countless travel posters. You soon arrive in one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, San Gimignano, with its stunning skyline of thirteen towers, built by rival nobles during the 13th century, it evokes images of medieval Tuscany perhaps better than any anywhere else in the province. This wondrous village is delightfully rural and it is lovely to just wander through its cobbled streets, take in the view and simply absorb its atmosphere. Vollterra, is a typical Tuscan town, dramatically situated high on a hill, commanding dramatic views of the countryside and surrounded by immense stone ramparts. The small historic centre is a maze of narrow cobbled streets surrounded by the high buildings so typical of Italy. Street life revolves around the main Piazza, one of the finest and best preserved in Tuscany, and beautifully atmospheric, especially during the evening when the locals, often entire families, meet and seemingly argue about the day’s events. What could be finer than to sip a glass of wine as the sun goes down and absorb this wonderful ambience. Founded by the Etruscans, easily defended, Vollterra grew prosperous during medieval times mining alabaster, used to carve intricate artefacts, which decorate the innumerable churches and cathedrals of Tuscany and beyond. The craft is still carried on today and you will have the opportunity to visit the many artisan outlets. It also has one of the best archaeological museums in Italy, which is well worth a visit.
Day 6 - Siena
After breakfast we take the short drive to Siena, one of the finest medieval cities in the world which was, during the 12th and 13th centuries one of its richest and a similar size to Paris! An unrivalled period of building took place and the palaces, grandiose townhouses and spacious piazzas you see today, were created. The main square, the Campo, is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s finest! Unusually formed in a half-moon shape, the square is surrounded by tall and centuries old buildings, all very different and yet also harmonious. With its abundance of pavement cafés, just enjoy a coffee and reflect on all the visitors who preceded you.
Perhaps the finest place to visit in Siena is its outstanding cathedral, one of Italy’s greatest. Built from black and white marble it has some of the most intricate carvings imaginable, some of which are by the great master himself, Michelangelo. The floor is a revelation, laid with countless thousands of interlocking stones, creating a unique inlaid surface at which, one can only marvel at the sheer skill of its creators. Impressive as it is today, had a planned additional nave been completed during the 14th century, it would have created the largest church in Christendom. The Black Death halted construction as two thirds of the population perished and the city fell into rapid decline. Little else was built but fortunately even less demolished, thus accounting for Siena’s remarkable preservation. We will have a guided tour of the city and during the afternoon you are free to explore as you wish.
Day 7 - Free Day
Today we have a free day to explore as you wish. So what is it to be? A stroll around the village, a coffee in the main square watching the world go by, a dip in the hotel pool or just catch up on some reading - the choice is yours.
Day 8
The coach will return us to the airport at the appropriate time to take our return flight.
Classic Tour 11 Oct 2024 06:15 Manchester Airport Grand Hotel Mediterraneo 4* £1,499.00 pp
Classic Tour 04 Apr 2025 06:15 Manchester Airport Corona d'Italia Hotel 3* Superior £1,379.00 pp
Signature Tour 19 Sep 2025 06:15 Manchester Airport Corona d'Italia Hotel 3* Superior £1,899.00 pp
Signature Tour 19 Sep 2025 06:15 Manchester Airport Corona d'Italia Hotel 3* Superior £1,899.00 pp
Classic Tour 17 Oct 2025 06:15 Manchester Airport Corona d'Italia Hotel 3* Superior £1,539.00 pp
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Hidden Italy
Stay in medieval Castelfranco with fantastic views of the walled old town
Experience extraordinary Vicenza, both ancient and modern, and the best place to view Palladio’s architectural masterpieces – complimentary museum pass included
Visit atmospheric Mantova, the inspiration for artists, poets and composers
Stroll through the beautiful gardens of Sigurtà Park and see an Italian interpretation of an English garden
See the enchanting riverside town of Bassano del Grappa in the foothills of the Prealps, and sample its famous liqueur
Tour Villa Sandi, the palatial headquarters of a renowned Prosecco producer, and its impressive underground cellars
Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Brenta Canal and see the elegant Venetian villas of the elite
Visit ancient Padova with its astonishing array of architectural styles and the famed university where Galileo once taught
Return travel from a selection of regional airports, plus all hotel transfers
Five nights in centrally located four-star accommodation inclusive of all local taxes, plus breakfast
The services of our experienced and insightful tour manager throughout
DAY ONE ARRIVAL IN VENICE & CASTELFRANCO VENETO
You fly to Venice or Treviso airport. On arrival, we transfer by coach to Castelfranco Veneto and your hotel, the four-star Albergo Roma, for the next five nights.
Castelfranco Veneto’s historic centre is a maze of narrow streets and tiny squares, protected within remarkably preserved, red-bricked ramparts. The town was established when the rulers of Treviso had a castle built in 1199 to defend against the neighbouring Padovans. Over time, it grew into a key trading post between Venice and northern Europe. Every corner of Castelfranco Veneto proudly evokes the presence of its most famous resident, the artist Giorgione whose pièce de résistance, the Madonna and Child, can be found in the town’s magnificent cathedral. Also worth a visit is the beautiful 18th-century Academic Theatre with some of the best acoustics in Italy. Just beyond the walls and a stone’s throw away from your hotel is Piazza Giorgione, one of the largest squares in the region.
DAY TWO BRENTA CANAL CRUISE & PADOVA
Over the centuries, the rivers flowing into the Venetian lagoon were ingeniously diverted to prevent siltation. As the canalised Brenta became a popular transport route, elegant Venetian villas, holiday homes of the elite, began to appear along its length. One of the most relaxing ways to view these legacies of a leisured existence is to take a canal cruise, and that is exactly what we will do this morning. Just as the wealthy would have travelled between Venice and their villas on the Burchiello, we board a contemporary version of this vessel, equipped with comfortable seats and a deck offering panoramic views. Our mini-cruise takes us past the 18th-century Villa Widmann where composer Stravinsky once stayed, as well as various villages, swing bridges and several locks. We disembark in Dolo, where our coach awaits. During our journey, we see the grandiose Villa Pisani, the Doge’s palace fronted by mighty sculptures.
Soon we arrive in Padova, a dynamic city which deserves to be recognised for more than its remarkable university, founded in 1222 and Italy’s second oldest. Explore the fine piazzas of the historic centre and be amazed by the diverse architectural styles: the Baptistry of the Duomo contains one of the country’s most complete medieval fresco cycles; the Renaissance Loggia della Gran Guardia once housed the Council of Nobles; and bustling Caffè Pedrocchi, ever-popular with students and intellectuals, was built to resemble a Classical temple. Particularly outstanding is the exotic Basilica di Sant’Antonio, one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Italy. Beneath its distinctive Byzantine domes rests the tomb of Padova’s patron saint. Another unmissable jewel is the extraordinary Cappella degli Scrovegni. The chapel’s interiors are entirely covered with Giotto’s lyrical frescoes, which greatly influenced the development of European art. On the same site is a major museum complex which occupies a group of 14th-century monastic buildings attached to the church of the Eremitani, a reclusive Augustinian order.
DAY THREE VICENZA
Today we head southwest to Vicenza, situated at the northern base of the cypress-clad Monte Berico astride the Bacchiglione river. This spectacularly sophisticated city is wonderfully cosmopolitan yet doubles as an open-air museum dedicated to the legacy of Palladio, a miller’s son who became the most prominent architect of the Italian High Renaissance and gave rise to the Classical style of Palladianism. The local gentry, eager to decorate their city with grand new buildings, gave him plenty of opportunities to realise his vision; as a result, many of central Vicenza’s streets are graced by a Palladian mansion.
We’ll see many of these on our guided tour this morning through the historic centre. At the heart of Vicenza is the Piazza dei Signori, dominated by the Basilica with its marvellous clock tower and distinctive, green roof surrounded by statues of Greek and Roman gods. Not a church but a remodelling of a Gothic courthouse, the basilica’s most notable feature is the loggia, one of the earliest examples of the Palladian window. Nearby is the renowned Teatro Olimpico, Europe’s oldest surviving indoor theatre, seemingly constructed from marble but upon closer inspection, you’ll discover masterfully painted wood and plaster. Its atmospheric auditorium is simply stunning, intended to resemble the outdoor theatres of ancient Greece and Rome. This astounding landmark, together with the Palladian Villas of the Veneto in the surrounding area, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is time to explore these wonderful sights this afternoon should you wish. You will receive a complimentary museum card, granting free entry to the city’s various world-class attractions.
DAY FOUR MANTOVA & PARCO SIGURTÀ
Our journey today takes us west and back in time to the sleepy yet achingly beautiful Mantova, a medieval city often overlooked despite its proximity to Lake Garda. Perhaps the answer lies in the three surrounding lakes, forming a natural fortification and keeping Mantova a secret from the world, one which has remained virtually untouched for centuries. As the dramatic skyline of ancient towers, domes and cupolas comes into view, it’s easy to see why the city features in two well-loved tragedies: it is the setting for Verdi’s Rigoletto and Shakespeare had an impassioned Romeo exiled here.
During our guided tour of the old town, the reasons for its UNESCO World Heritage status become strikingly evident. Although compact in size, Mantova has more than its share of artistic, cultural and architectural treasures. The city reached its zenith in the 14th century when it came under Gonzaga rule, one of the greatest Renaissance families of Italy. Their home was the sumptuous Palazzo Ducale, a highlight of the city and once Europe’s largest palace with around 500 rooms, extravagantly decorated with glorious works of art. Wander the cobbled streets and relax in the lovely squares, where locals and visitors alike meet for a coffee. Perhaps take a cruise on the river Mincio and admire the city from a different perspective. This afternoon, we visit the 148-acre Sigurtà Garden Park and see some of the world’s most extraordinary gardens. Originally used for agriculture, the park is now home to beautiful tulips, roses, lilies, irises and more. See the Italian interpretation of a romantic English garden with its neo-Gothic temple and rustic grotto. Throughout the park are 18 ornamental ponds and lakes, as well as a medicinal herb garden and even an award-winning maze.
DAY FIVE SANDI
After breakfast, we visit the enchanting town of Bassano del Grappa, nestled serenely in the foothills of Monte Grappa from which the river Brenta flows free. Connecting the halves of the town is the wooden Ponte degli Alpini bridge, cleverly designed to withstand the meltwaters in spring. Have your camera at the ready to capture the picture-postcard panoramas: the crystal-clear waters reflect the Alpine mountains and pastel hues of the historic buildings. Wander the lively town at an unhurried pace and observe the locals doing their shopping or even attempting to catch some fish along the river!
Bassano is known for its superb glazed earthenware, but perhaps more so for the Italian after-dinner drink, grappa, which you’ll have the opportunity to taste on our guided visit to a local artisan distillery museum. Here, you’ll experience this fragrant, grape-based brandy with all five of your senses: listen to the story of how it’s made, observe the fascinating distillation process, feel the fresh pomace with your own hands, and even smell the different varieties. Of course, you’ll also taste a few varieties of this warming digestif.
You may wish to have lunch at one of the town’s many excellent restaurants or sample the local specialities before we continue to Valdobbiadene, one of the most prestigious Prosecco-producing areas in the heart of the Treviso region. Here, we visit the prestigious wine producer, Villa Sandi, set in a vast valley protected from nearby mountains by rolling, sun-kissed hills. This fortunate position and the naturally endowed soil provide the optimum conditions for cultivating some of the finest grapes. Snaking below the palatial 17th-century villa is a centuries-old network of tunnels, used covertly by the Italian army during World War I and today provides the perfect environment for aging wine. We tour these underground cellars, home to a million bottles of wine including some of the best Prosecco, which we sample afterwards. Our guide then takes us through the villa, its spacious rooms a luxurious combination of pastel colours, stuccoes and bas-reliefs, dominated by resplendent Murano glass chandeliers. It’s easy to imagine a time when important figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte once wined and dined here.
DAY SIX RETURN FLIGHT
Today at the appropriate time, you will be taken to the airport for your return flight, after a most fascinating tour.
Classic Tour 05 Sep 2024 18:00 Manchester Airport Albergo Roma £1,029.00 pp
Classic Tour 12 Sep 2024 12:10 Manchester Airport Albergo Roma £829.00 pp
Classic Tour 19 Sep 2024 12:10 Manchester Airport Albergo Roma £829.00 pp
Classic Tour 03 Oct 2024 16:50 Edinburgh Airport Albergo Roma £909.00 pp
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Lake Maggiore, Orta and the Matterhorn
Cruise to the enchanting islands visiting Isola Pescatori and Isola Bella, with a guided tour of its 17th century baroque villa with entrance fees included
Full day tour travelling through the Simplon Pass to Zermatt in the Swiss Alps seeing the Matterhorn, probably the world’s most instantly recognisable peak
Full day tour to shimmering Lake Como, described by Wordsworth as ‘a treasure the world keeps to itself’
Full day tour visiting Cannobio and Locarno with a journey on the famous Centovalli railway
Visit to one of Italy’s most romantic lakes, charming Lake Orta and the delightful 14th century medieval village Orta San Giulio
Option to join a complimentary guided walk
Seven nights in a choice of conveniently located four-star to four-star superior accommodation including all local taxes, with breakfast and dinner
DAY ONE ARRIVAL IN STRESA
You should arrive at the airport to take your flight from your selected airport, and on arrival you transfer to the delightful town of Stresa on the peaceful shores of charming Lake Maggiore.
DAY TWO LAKE MAGGIORE & BORROMEAN ISLANDS
Unmistakably Mediterranean in character, Maggiore’s shores are lined with oleanders, palms and deeply aromatic verbena with the still waters reflecting the azure blue sky above.
Just offshore is one of the real gems of northern Italy, the stunning Borromean Islands, once owned by a Milanese Count who, in the 17th century, created the most amazing ‘belle époque’ villa here of which we have a guided tour this morning. Isola Bella, as it is called, is a stunning achievement, with its staterooms crammed with fine furniture, sculpture and art with intricate parquet flooring and elegant pastel-coloured plasterwork and frescoes adorning the high ceilings, it’s simply stunning. Even more impressive though, are the astonishing grounds, featuring ten interlocking terraces imaginatively planted with orange and lemon trees, plus magnolias and a host of other fragrant and colourful shrubs and plants. Marble statues and unique, white peacocks add the final touches to this dramatic display. Previous distinguished visitors include Queen Caroline of England, wife of George IV, plus Napoleon and Josephine. In complete contrast, the narrow cobbled streets, picturesque harbour and charming buildings of the fascinating Isola dei Pescatori, the second island we visit, reflect its 10th century origins and centuries old fishing tradition after which it is named. This is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch in one of the excellent lakeside restaurants - many with enchanting secluded terraces – before we cruise back to Stresa during the afternoon.
Signature Experience:
You’ll feel quite simply on top of the world as you sip a deliciously chilled glass of fizz in the one and only Skybar on the lake. With dazzling views at every turn – the exquisite Borromean Islands taking centre stage against a backdrop of lush, forested slopes sweeping down to the glistening water’s edge, encased by a phenomenal mountain backdrop. Make sure you’ve your camera in tow to capture this wow moment for eternity.
DAY THREE CENTOVALLI RAILWAY
Long and relatively narrow, Lake Maggiore beautifully straddles the Swiss-Italian border and this morning you enjoy a totally different view of the lake as we take a private boat to Cannobio, where you will have some free time before joining the coach to continue into Switzerland, to the chic resort of Locarno, nestling below the towering peaks of the Alps. During our journey you will see ever-grander snow-capped mountains, their colours gently changing from pinks to greens and blues, as the sun, arcing across the sky, casts its ever-changing shadows.
You snatch tantalising glimpses of lakeside life with the locals going about their daily lives, whilst birds of prey soar on the numerous thermals and colourful wildfowl rise and fall as the boat’s wake radiates from the stern. Locarno is staunchly Swiss, but the twisting lanes and alleys of the historic centre bear more resemblance to Tuscany than Zurich, lending it a real charm enhanced by a fascinating history encapsulated in the mighty castle dominating from above. After some free time we board the narrow gauge Centovalli train for a spectacularly scenic ride as it winds its way through wild, romantic landscapes, pure mountain cascades, vines, chestnut woods and villages clinging to the mountainsides. Named after the so called ‘hundred valleys’ through which it passes, the train features specially designed panoramic carriages so you can sit back, enjoying the scenery in all its glory as it winds its seemingly impossible way around the valley sides. From Domodossola we return by coach to Stresa.
DAY FOUR LAKE COMO
This morning we explore another of Northern Italy’s most famous lakes and one of its most attractive too. Described by Wordsworth as ‘a treasure the earth keeps to itself’, a favourite of Shelley, Lake Como has attracted visitors for centuries in search of relaxation, culture and inspiration. The famous ancient Roman, Pliny wrote of its luxuriant beauty and it has inspired some of the best works of greats such as Verdi and Rossini to name but two.
You will be free to explore Como as you wish. Renowned for its lakeside parks, grand hotels and the Villa Olmo, Como town has been home to many eminent Europeans including Napoleon, Archduke Ferdinand and Garibaldi, the ‘father of modern Italy.
DAY FIVE FREE DAY
Today you can choose to relax in the hotel, perhaps take a swim in the pool or explore Stresa’s many delights. The lakeside exudes an ambience of classic ‘belle époque’ gentility, owing its origin to the days of the ‘Grand Tour’ when Europe’s 19th century aristocracy, having crossed the border from Switzerland, experienced their first taste of Italy. Literary aficionados may like to take a drink at the bar of the Grand Hotel featured in Hemingway’s ‘A Farewell to Arms’, and frequented by the likes of George Bernard Shaw and Charlie Chaplin.
Complimentary Guided Walk
An increasing number of you want to stretch your legs whilst away so you may want to join a complimentary walk today. It’s not arduous, it’s best to have light walking shoes or good ‘trainers’ though.
Firstly we take the 8 minute local train to the tiny hamlet of Verbania Pallanza with our final destination being Lake Mergozzo wonderfully nestling on one of Italy’s most gorgeous yet Lake Mergozzo. We follow a delightful track through an unspoilt oak forest teeming with wildlife with our naturalist guide describing the flora and fauna we encounter. It’s always fascinating getting so far off the beaten track and after time for a coffee in tiny village of Mergozzo, Lake Mergozzo,we return to Stresa by train. It’s a superb leisurely trip but places are strictly limited so please advise at time of booking if you wish to participate.
Please note that walks take place on a free day of the tour itinerary and are subject to weather conditions. Only available May - Sept. Some uphill walking is required.
Signature Experiences:
Cruise to Isola Madre, the largest of the Borromean Islands and said the most authentic of the islands, with its verdant English-style garden. Wander the botanical gardens, home to an exotic mix of plants, birds and flowers, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and cake while taking in spectacular views of Lake Maggiore.
After dinner, end the evening in style with an atmospheric cruise around the magnificent Borromean Islands, absorbing the breathtaking views of their elegant, illuminated buildings, as the lights of Stresa twinkle in the starry night sky against a magnificent mountain silhouette.
DAY SIX ZERMATT & THE MATTERHORN
Today the views will take your breath away. We firstly climb the foothills of the Alps then cross the Swiss frontier and head into the high Alps themselves. We take the Simplon Pass, once used by the Romans to control their northern provinces with the first actual road constructed by Napoleon. Continuing, the scenery becomes ever more spectacular, with lush, wild flower-covered meadows studded with tiny shepherds’ shelters sweeping through the dense forests, crowned by snow-capped mountains glistening in the sun. You could be lucky and catch a glimpse of the elusive ibex, chamois or even a golden eagle soaring high above. Marvelling at the engineering feats, the road traverses towering viaducts and jaw dropping precipices, we pass countless torrential mountain streams tumbling waterfalls before arriving at the legendary village of Zermatt, nestling at the foot of the mighty, instantly recognisable Matterhorn. Zermatt is iconically Swiss, a car-free jumble of chalets and ancient wooden farm huts strewn along the valley floor, towards pastures alive with the sound of cowbells and dramatic cable cars and soaring footpaths weave ever upwards to the majestic amphitheatre of the surrounding lofty summits.
The ultimate alpine peak, the Matterhorn is strangely shy until you reach the end of the village, turn a corner, and the Swiss national symbol is revealed in its unrivalled glory - truly, one of life’s ‘wow’ moments! For an even better view take the cog railway to reach 3000 metres and the absolutely awe-inspiring mountain wonderland of glaciers and summits. Alternatively you can relax in one of the many delightful cafés or take a gentle ride in a horse drawn carriage as you wish.
DAY SEVEN LAKE ORTA
Our final day, and we experience one of the real highlights of the entire holiday. Orta is probably the prettiest of the Italian lakes, yet surprisingly one of the least known. What Orta does have is an exceptional dose of charm!
Surrounded on three sides by the deep blue water, the delightful lakeside village of Orta San Giulio is a haven from mass tourism and the only ‘must see’ sight is the village itself. The pebble studded lanes and stepped alleys, lined with a myriad of traditional food shops selling the gorgeous fresh produce for which Italy is so justifiably respected, lead down to the lakeshore and romantic main square.
Buildings with exposed 14th century half-timbers and shuttered windows wear the pastel ochre, magenta and pale blues so typically Italian, in a kaleidoscope of colour. Linger a while, watch the locals going about their daily lives chatting with acquaintances as they go. You cannot fail to be captivated by its perfectly medieval charms. San Giulio’s basilica on the island is incredible; the inside entirely covered with spellbindingly preserved 14th century biblical frescoes and in places you can even see the earlier 12th century works underneath.
DAY EIGHT RETURN FLIGHT
Today you are transfered to the airport, at the appropriate time, for your return flight home after a memorable and relaxing tour.
Signature Tour 09 Sep 2025 09:55 Newcastle Airport Regina Palace 4* Superior £2,039.00 pp
Classic Tour 09 Sep 2025 09:55 Newcastle Airport Grand Hotel Bristol 4* £1,829.00 pp
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Puglia, Lecce and Vieste - Undiscovered Italy
Guided tour of Lecce, one of Italy's finest baroque towns, often compared to Florence
Visit Alberobello with the unique trulli houses, set amidst stunning Tuscan-like countryside
Guided tour of Matera, the amazing medieval cave village and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Guided tour of Bari’s old town, once home to ancient Greeks, Saracens and Normans, with a remarkable Romanesque cathedral
Learn the fascinating craft of pasta-making and enjoy a light lunch at a family-run osteria
Seven nights in conveniently located 4-star accommodation inclusive of all local taxes, plus breakfast, one lunch, and six dinners (two dinners at carefully selected local restaurants)
DAY ONE ARRIVAL IN LECCE
Arrive at the airport for your flight. On arrival, we transfer by coach to the four-star Hilton Garden Inn in Lecce for two nights. This fine modern hotel is a short walk from the Old Town and features a restaurant, bar, outside terrace and spa. Its elegant rooftop swimming pool (open in the summer months, weather permitting) has panoramic views over Lecce.
DAY TWO TOUR OF LECCE
Lecce is known as the ‘Florence of the South’ for good reason – its architecture is outstanding and around every corner are buildings of beauty and interest waiting to be discovered. Our walking tour begins at the imposing Porta Napoli gate, where we meet our local guide, and from there we explore the vibrant Jewish quarter before taking in the Basilica di Santa Croce. A remarkable example of creativity, this Baroque church has an intricate facade, and there are so many beautiful details in the stonework you could lose hours gazing at them.
The tour continues through the Old Town, rich with history, and we pause at a bank that has more to its history than money – it was once used to store olive oil. Another surprise awaits at the picturesque Piazza Sant’Oronzo, a bustling square set on the site of a partially exposed Roman amphitheatre. Built in the 2nd century, the amphitheatre seated over 25,000 people and it’s possible, looking down across the sweeping bleached stone seating, to envisage crowds gathering two millennia ago to enjoy all sorts of entertainment. We then amble down shop-lined streets to the elegant Piazza Duomo, where Lecce’s cathedral awaits. Built in 1144, its imposing exterior is only matched by its breathtaking interior featuring 12 side chapels containing paintings by a variety of artists.
This afternoon you are free to explore. Lecce hums with life with a distinctly southern Italian feel, so soak up the ambience of its streets, relaxed cafés and refi ned boutiques while taking in all its baroque magnificence. In the evening we dine in an excellent restaurant, once a Roman granary, where you can enjoy the local cuisine.
Signature Experience:
Experience the real Lecce on a morning’s walking tour with a local guide who will provide a fascinating insight into local life, customs and history – from the morning coffee ritual to the ‘pasticciotto’, the local custard-filled pastry typical of Lecce traditionally eaten in the morning. Plus, you’ll sample some of Lecce’s very best local delicacies, with our tour culminating in an authentic coffee shop where you can relax over a ‘café italiano style’ whilst learning more about the history of coffee, a true Italian passion!
DAY THREE OLIVE OIL MILL & ALBEROBELLO
Puglia is renowned for its olive oil production and we see olive trees everywhere in the region when travelling, so we explore a small, family run olive oil mill and find out more about olive oil production and enjoy a tasting. As we continue our drive you’ll begin to notice whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs – these are trulli, Puglia’s signature dwellings. In this corner of Puglia, the countryside blooms with patches of oak forest bisected by dry stone walls – almost reminiscent of rural Tuscany. We arrive in Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Remarkably, some parts of Alberobello are almost exclusively composed of trulli, creating an otherworldly feel – no wonder some compare it to a ‘hobbit’ town. For many, this is a highlight of the tour and we have time to explore, discovering how trulli were built, their intriguing origins and why many are adorned with Christian, pagan or celestial symbols.
We then continue to Matera, where we stay two nights with breakfast and dinner at the four-star MH Matera.
Signature Experience:
On our drive to Alberobello, we call at a historic masseria, one of Puglia’s traditional farmhouses, once a stable, and after the history of this beautifully restored ancient building is revealed, you’ll be served a selection of delicious local dishes, all created with ingredients (including the wine and olive oil) produced directly on the farm. Please note guests on our classic tour will enjoy an oil tasting at a traditional olive oil mill.
DAY FOUR MATERA
This morning we have a guided tour of Matera, which is notable as one of the first permanently inhabited places in Italy and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. At its heart are the original troglodyte cave dwellings dating back over 9,000 years; astonishingly, people still live in them today. Everything you would expect in a conventional town is here, with churches, shops and artisan workshops all hewn from the naked rock. Is there anywhere else you can walk along a street that is the roof of the house below?
This afternoon you can return to the hotel to relax – the perfect opportunity to sun yourself by the pool. Or if you wish you can explore Matera further and take advantage of our later shuttle service back to your hotel. This gives you more time to visit its many fascinating buildings – the 13th-century Romanesque cathedral is well worth your time. This evening, we complete a memorable day enjoying regional dishes at our dinner in a restaurant in Matera’s Old Town.
DAY FIVE BARI
Nestling on the Adriatic, Bari was a thriving walled port even before the Romans arrived and was briefly the capital of Byzantine Italy. During Norman times it was thought to be as significant as Venice. This morning we have a guided tour of the Old Town where there is so much to discover, such as the imposing medieval fortress and the massive Romanesque cathedral with its 11th-century frescoes, while opera lovers may know that Bari is home to the magnificent Teatro Petruzzelli. For many, though, the focal point is the Basilica di San Nicola, whose 900-year-old vaulted crypt is the final resting place of Saint Nicholas, Patron Saint of Russia – better known to us as Father Christmas.
As we explore Bari’s tightly knit streets, look down its side streets to take in other aspects of traditional life, from shops displaying freshly caught sea bass, cuttlefish or lobster to stalls creaking under the weight of locally grown olives, tomatoes and peppers, and families eating meals with their windows and doors open. Here and there, you may come across chattering matriarchs sitting outside their doorsteps making, hand-rolling and cutting different types of pasta, a practice unchanged through time.
Leaving Bari, we call at the picturesque fishing port of Trani, then the landscape changes as we climb the Gargano peninsular coastal road. The warm air is heavy with Mediterranean aromas of pine and wild flowers, and we soon arrive in the coastal town of Vieste. We stay for three nights with breakfast and two dinners, at either four-star hotel – the Palace Hotel Vieste or the Hotel Degli Aranci, both situated a short stroll from the beach next to the Old Town.
DAY SIX FREE DAY IN VIESTE
Phoenician in origin, Vieste is one of Italy’s most attractive coastal towns, situated on a rocky promontory overlooking turquoise waters with beaches either side. An enchanting jumble of white, flat-roofed buildings perched on cliff edges and dominated by its simple 13th-century cathedral, it’s an ideal place for your free day to relax. You may choose to amble through ancient alleyways, walk barefoot along the beach past the giant chalk stack – a remarkable geological landmark – enjoy a lunch of local seafood or just find a quiet spot to wile away the hours with a book.
Signature Experience:
Sit back and soak up the dazzling seascapes, glistening water and bracing air as we cruise along the scenic coastline of the Gargano National Park, home to magnificent UNESCO-protected ancient pine forests. Explore the spectacular caves nestled amongst sheer white limestone cliffs and golden sands and savour the views as we enjoy some locally made refreshments and antipasti.
DAY SEVEN PESCHICI & RUSTIC LUNCH
This morning we take drive to nearby Peschici, a small fishing village located on a promontory overlooking the Bay of Peschici. The walled old town, with its whitewashed buildings, is a maze of narrow streets lined with small shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Medieval Castle, dating back from 970, has panoramic views over the surrounding coastline. We have free time here to explore and perhaps have a coffee whilst enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. We will then continue to a rural restaurant located just outside Peschici, where we will enjoy a light lunch of rural specialities typical of this part of Puglia, and discover the art of hand making pasta in a short demonstration by an expert.
We return to Vieste in the afternoon with the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY EIGHT RETURN FLIGHT
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Classic Tour 01 Sep 2024 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,549.00 pp
Signature Tour 08 Sep 2024 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,999.00 pp
Classic Tour 15 Sep 2024 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,549.00 pp
Classic Tour 29 Sep 2024 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,499.00 pp
Classic Tour 06 Oct 2024 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,449.00 pp
Signature Tour 07 Oct 2024 13:15 Edinburgh Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,789.00 pp
Classic Tour 13 Oct 2024 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,349.00 pp
Classic Tour 13 Apr 2025 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,389.00 pp
Classic Tour 12 May 2025 13:15 Edinburgh Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,519.00 pp
Classic Tour 18 May 2025 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,519.00 pp
Signature Tour 25 May 2025 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,889.00 pp
Signature Tour 02 Jun 2025 13:15 Edinburgh Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,889.00 pp
Classic Tour 08 Jun 2025 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,599.00 pp
Signature Tour 15 Jun 2025 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,919.00 pp
Classic Tour 24 Aug 2025 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,439.00 pp
Classic Tour 07 Sep 2025 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,489.00 pp
Signature Tour 14 Sep 2025 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,969.00 pp
Classic Tour 15 Sep 2025 13:15 Edinburgh Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,539.00 pp
Classic Tour 05 Oct 2025 07:10 Manchester Airport Hilton Garden Inn Lecce 4* £1,389.00 pp
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Tours operated by Riviera Travel. ATOL NO 3430
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